In a parish community, “everyone has something to offer,” Archbishop Michael Miller told Our Lady of Sorrows parishioners during his pastoral visit last month.
After thanking pastor Father Rosemond Sylvestre, assistant pastor Father Henri-Claude Testamar, and the parish community for their welcome, the Archbishop entreated parishioners to deepen their participation in parish life.
“I encourage everyone in the church today who has made this parish their place of worship to offer your gifts to build up the community,” the Archbishop said during his closing homily.
“If you have remained a little on the sidelines, give serious thought to finding at least one ministry where the Lord can use your gifts and talents for his service and the service of your brothers and sisters.”
The Archbishop applauded the parish for its “Catholicity,” remarking that it is no easy task to create such a vibrant community with three distinct linguistic groups – English, Italian and Spanish. “You exemplify that such differences can be truly enriching,” he said, and “you set an example for all the Church and the world to follow.”
Like many parishes in the Archdiocese, the Archbishop said Our Lady of Sorrows needs to think for the future, and plan for a changing of the guard.
“Welcoming new members to the numerous ministries and planning on succession remains a challenge here, as in most parishes,” he said. “Those who are dedicated and have been involved in the parish for many years should take the time to ask themselves: who will take my place in my ministry or group in five or ten years?”
Younger and newer parishioners should be welcomed and encouraged to join parish ministries and initiatives.
“The willingness to accept new ideas and ways of doing things is the mark of a parish family that is truly welcoming and flourishing,” Archbishop Miller told the community.
The Archbishop spent his time visiting Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary, the pastoral and finance councils, and various parish ministries, both English and their Spanish language counterparts.
In a homily, the Archbishop told parishioners the visit helps him to know them, and to “know more directly and intimately the blessings [they] have received from the good Lord as well as the specific challenges [they] are facing as a parish family.”
Each visit is “a blessing for me,” said the Archbishop, “as I hope this one has also been for you who were able to participate.”
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